The Biblical Words for “Fear of God” (Hebrew & Greek)
HEBREW TERMS (Old Testament)
The OT uses several words for fear, ranging from terror to reverence, but the dominant idea is awe-filled loyalty to God.
A. יָרֵא — yare’
Meaning: to fear, revere, stand in awe, be afraid. This is the primary Hebrew verb for “fear.”
Key uses:
- Genesis 22:12 — “Now I know that you fear God.”
- Exodus 20:20 — “Fear not… but God has come so that the fear of Him may be before you.”
- Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”
This word covers both holy reverence and trembling before God’s power.
B. יִרְאָה — yir’ah
Meaning: fear, awe, reverence, worshipful respect. This is the noun form of yare’.
Key uses:
- Psalm 111:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
- Proverbs 9:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
- Isaiah 11:2–3 — The Messiah delights in the “fear of the LORD.”
This is the positive, worshipful fear that produces obedience.
C. פַּחַד — pachad
Meaning: dread, terror, trembling. Used when God’s presence overwhelms.
Key uses:
- Job 4:14 — “Fear came upon me, and trembling.”
- Isaiah 2:10 — People hide in fear of the LORD’s majesty.
This is fear as trembling before God’s holiness.
D. כָּבֵד — kaved (related idea)
Meaning: weight, glory, heaviness. Not “fear” directly, but the idea of God’s weightiness is part of fearing Him.
GREEK TERMS (New Testament)
A. φόβος — phobos
Meaning: fear, awe, reverence, holy respect. This is the root of the English word “phobia,” but in Scripture it often means reverent awe.
Key uses:
- Luke 1:50 — God’s mercy is for those who fear Him.
- Acts 9:31 — The church walked “in the fear of the Lord.”
- Philippians 2:12 — “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
Phobos can mean terror or reverence, depending on context.
B. φοβέομαι — phobeomai
Meaning: to fear, to revere, to respect deeply.
Key uses:
- 1 Peter 2:17 — “Fear God.”
- Revelation 14:7 — “Fear God and give Him glory.”
This is the NT command to revere God above all.
C. εὐλάβεια — eulabeia
Meaning: reverence, godly caution, pious fear.
Key uses:
- Hebrews 5:7 — Jesus was heard because of His “reverent submission.”
- Hebrews 12:28 — Worship God with “reverence and awe.”
This is holy caution — carefulness in God’s presence.
Timeline of the “Fear of God” from Genesis to Revelation
Stage 1: Fear as Awe Before God’s Power (Genesis–Exodus)
Early encounters with God produce trembling awe:
- Adam hides.
- Abraham fears God and obeys.
- Israel trembles at Sinai.
Fear = recognition of God’s overwhelming holiness.
Stage 2: Fear as Covenant Loyalty (Deuteronomy–Kings)
Fear becomes tied to obedience and love.
Deuteronomy repeatedly commands Israel to:
- fear God
- love God
- obey God
- walk in His ways
Fear = loyal devotion.
Stage 3: Fear as Wisdom (Psalms–Proverbs)
Wisdom literature elevates fear of God as the foundation of wisdom.
Fear = the posture of the wise.
Stage 4: Fear as Worshipful Awe (Prophets)
Prophets call Israel back to reverence and humility before God.
Fear = returning to God with trembling and trust.
Stage 5: Fear as Reverence for Christ (Gospels–Acts)
Jesus teaches:
- fear God, not man
- fear Him who can destroy both body and soul
The early church “walks in the fear of the Lord.”
Fear = reverence for Christ’s authority.
Stage 6: Fear as Holy Awe in Worship (Epistles)
Believers are called to:
- serve God with reverence
- approach Him with awe
- live holy lives because God judges impartially
Fear = holy seriousness about God.
Stage 7: Fear as Cosmic Reverence (Revelation)
Revelation commands all nations to:
- fear God
- give Him glory
- worship Him
Fear = recognizing God as the rightful ruler of the universe.
Comparison of “Fear of God” in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
Judaism
Fear of God is:
- reverence
- awe
- covenant loyalty
- obedience
- moral seriousness
It is not terror but respectful devotion. The rabbis say: “Where there is no fear of God, there is no wisdom.”
Christianity
Fear of God is:
- awe before God’s holiness
- reverence for Christ
- hatred of sin
- obedience born from love
- worshipful humility
Christians do not fear condemnation, but they fear grieving God.
Islam
Fear of God is taqwā — God‑consciousness, reverence, piety.
It includes:
- fear of displeasing God
- awareness of His presence
- obedience to His commands
- humility before His judgment
Taqwā is the central virtue of Islamic spirituality.